The quirky, wide-eyed Labubu dolls have taken the world by storm, captivating children, collectors, and celebrities alike. But as demand for these plush monsters soars, so too does the shadowy trade in counterfeits—posing risks not only to wallets, but to children’s safety. Recent crackdowns on fake Labubu dolls in both the United States and the United Kingdom have shone a spotlight on a booming black market that authorities say is endangering consumers and undermining the very brand that made Labubu a global sensation.
Labubu dolls, the brainchild of Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, are typically sold in “blind-box” packaging, adding an element of surprise for buyers. Their popularity has exploded in 2025, with some rare editions fetching hundreds of pounds on resale sites. According to BBC, the dolls are marketed mainly as adult collectibles and fashion accessories, but their appeal to children is undeniable—and so is the risk when fakes enter the market.
In the UK, the scale of the problem is staggering. The Home Office reported that in 2025, counterfeit Labubu dolls made up 90% of the £3.5 million worth of fake toys seized at the border. That’s 236,000 fake Labubus out of 259,000 total seized toys, according to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The IPO’s deputy director of enforcement, Helen Barnham, didn’t mince words: “These products have bypassed every safety check the law requires, which is why we’re working with our partners to keep these dangerous fakes out of UK homes.”
The dangers aren’t theoretical. Nearly three in four seized fake toys failed safety tests, the IPO found, with many containing banned chemicals linked to cancer or dangerous choking hazards. Some counterfeit Labubus were sold without appropriate warnings or instructions, and their poor construction meant small parts like eyes and feet could easily detach, posing a risk to younger children. In one recent operation, Kensington and Chelsea Council seized 130 counterfeit Labubu dolls in Earl’s Court. The council’s trading standards team issued formal warnings to business owners and promised further action to keep unsafe goods off the streets. “Labubu dolls are the latest collectible trend and high demand for this popular toy has also led to a rise in counterfeit versions,” said Councillor Johnny Thalassites. “We want original and high-quality products, not fakes.”
Across the Atlantic, the problem is just as acute. In Upstate New York, the owner of the Casual Girl store at Wilton Mall was arrested on September 18, 2025, for allegedly selling over $1,000 worth of counterfeit Labubu dolls—a felony charge of second-degree trademark counterfeiting, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest followed a complaint from Pop Mart itself. While the store owner denied the arrest to reporters at the Times Union, investigators confirmed the charge and said the investigation is ongoing. The original complaint remains sealed, and it’s unclear how much merchandise was ultimately seized.
It’s not just brick-and-mortar stores under scrutiny. Content creator and Labubu reseller Jillian Nathan told Scripps News Group that she hears from disappointed buyers every week who’ve fallen victim to scams, often after purchasing dolls at gas stations, smoke shops, sneaker shops, or convenience stores. “Basically, at least once a week, I get photos from somebody via my Instagram or Facebook page about a Labubu that they've unfortunately purchased somewhere, and it's not authentic,” Nathan said. She described the frustration that comes with so many knockoffs diluting the brand and misleading fans.
Online scams are rampant as well. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a nationwide scam alert after receiving over 70 reports related to counterfeit Labubu dolls, many from customers who never received their orders at all. BBB spokesperson Nakia Mills explained, “Most of the examples from Michigan were people who placed an order and did not receive the product.”
Authorities and consumer advocates are scrambling to educate the public. The IPO’s ‘Fake Toys, Real Harms’ campaign, launched in 2025, aims to warn parents and gift buyers that counterfeit toys, while often cheaper, can have “devastating consequences” for children’s health and safety. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also issued a safety alert about counterfeit Labubu dolls, warning that some are small enough to fit in a child’s mouth and block their airway, or break apart easily, releasing small choking hazards.
Why are so many buyers falling for fakes? A poll for the IPO found that while 92% of toy buyers in the UK are aware of counterfeit products, 70% prioritize cost over safety, and only 27% consider safety when making purchases. This cost-first mentality, coupled with limited supply and the dolls’ viral popularity, has created a perfect storm for counterfeiters. Pop Mart itself was forced to pause sales at all 16 of its UK shops in May 2025 after reports of customers fighting over the toys. Sales have since resumed through an online lottery system to curb chaos and scalping.
Spotting a fake Labubu isn’t always easy, but Pop Mart has tried to help. The company offers a step-by-step guide on its website for verifying authenticity, including scanning QR codes and scratch-off verification codes found on packaging. Real Labubu boxes have a matte finish, muted colors, a holographic Pop Mart sticker, and a QR code. Authentic dolls have nine triangular teeth, high-quality fur, airbrushed blush, embedded glossy eyes, and moveable limbs. Newer editions even feature a UV-detectable seal on the right foot. Still, as Nathan and others note, fakes are getting better—and more dangerous.
Consumer advocates recommend buying from reputable retailers or official brand websites, using secure payment methods, reading customer reviews, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true. When a toy arrives, it should be checked for a UKCA or CE safety mark and a UK or EU contact address on the packaging. If a counterfeit is spotted, consumers are urged to return it, leave a review to warn others, and report it to Trading Standards or the relevant authorities.
With Christmas approaching and Labubu dolls tipped to be the season’s must-have gift, the stakes have never been higher. The IPO’s Helen Barnham offered a final, urgent plea: “Child safety must come first, so we’re urging parents – please don’t let your child be the tester.”
The global Labubu craze shows no sign of slowing, but as the market grows, so does the need for vigilance. For collectors and parents alike, the message is clear: when it comes to Labubu dolls, it pays to check twice—and buy smart.
